Victoria musician Michael Demers’ year-long battle with Leukemia has come to an end. He was 63 years old.

Demers was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1958 and his music career spans across 5 decades. He started out in a new wave band in Edmonton in the 1970s. Demers was most recently known for being the frontman of Roy Orbison tribute band, The Lonely. The Lonely performed sold out shows across North America since forming in 2015.

Demers had his own solo projects as well as being part of bands such as The New Waves, Planet Claire, Don’t You Forget About Me, Rockville, Nuvo Wavo, Beatles Revolution, Jho Nek Bhone and Aurel Sect.

Outside of being a music performer, Demers was a mentor to other local musicians and was also a youth counselor and music therapist.

Michael Demers- Paris Demers

Michael Demers- Murray Creed